Looking for a quick, healthy dinner? This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect weeknight meal! Made with lean beef and fresh veggies, it’s packed with flavor and ready in just minutes—ideal for satisfying the whole family!
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Need a quick and healthy dinner? This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is just what you’re looking for! It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a delicious homemade alternative to takeout that you’ll want to make again and again. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. With lean ground beef, fresh broccoli, and onions simmered in a savory blend of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic, you get a satisfying meal that’s lighter than your usual takeout—great for when you’re focusing on your health goals!
If you love classic beef and broccoli, check out my other popular recipe, Broccoli Beef with Flank Steak—another tasty take on this timeless combo!
What Makes This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Healthy?
This recipe uses lean ground beef (I recommend going for humanely raised sources for an extra nutritional boost) and vibrant broccoli. Ground beef is packed with protein and loaded with vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. And broccoli? It’s basically a superfood, packed with fiber and essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, K, and B vitamins. This healthier version of your classic stir fry has less sugar and oil than takeout, plus we swap sugar for honey and use just a bit of sesame oil. The result is a light yet flavorful dish that feels indulgent without the guilt!
What’s in the Beef and Broccoli Sauce?
Forget the heavy, greasy sauces you get from takeout! This homemade sauce is simple and flavorful, balancing sweet and savory without being overly sweet or greasy. Here’s what we use to make it shine:
- Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce (or gluten-free tamari if you prefer)—this gives the dish that deep, savory flavor without the excess sodium.
- Honey: Instead of sugar, we use honey for a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the soy sauce.
- Fresh Garlic & Ginger: The combo of minced garlic and fresh ginger adds a punch of flavor and aroma to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: A little bit thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth, luscious texture.
- Sesame Oil: Just half a tablespoon adds richness and a light nutty flavor.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
1. Steam the broccoli with a bit of water for 3 to 5 minutes, until tender.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking and stirring occasionally until the beef is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute.
4. Add the blanched broccoli and cook for one more minute to heat it through.
5. Divide the beef and broccoli stir-fry evenly among 4 plates or shallow bowls. If you’re using rice or cauliflower rice, layer it on the plates first. Garnish each serving with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Blanch Broccoli Like a Pro!
Blanching is the secret to making this stir fry pop! It gives the broccoli that perfect bright green color and crisp-tender texture while locking in nutrients. Here’s how to blanch your broccoli like a pro:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Drop the broccoli florets into the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn a vibrant green and are still slightly crunchy.
- Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water). This stops the cooking process and helps keep the broccoli fresh and crisp.
- Once cooled, drain again, and you’re ready to go! Now your broccoli is ready to star in your stir fry.
Did You Enjoy This Recipe?
If you loved this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, recipe be sure to check out some of our other easy ground beef recipes and meal ideas for your next gathering! You can also sign up for our newsletter to get the latest recipes delivered right to your inbox.
How to Store Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry for Freshness
Want to keep your leftovers fresh for later? Here’s how to store your beef and broccoli stir fry:
- Cool Down Before Storing: Let the stir fry cool to room temperature first. This will prevent condensation and keep your dish fresh.
- Airtight Container: Store the stir fry in an airtight container to lock in the flavors and prevent it from absorbing any funky odors from the fridge.
- Refrigerate for Short-Term Storage: The stir fry can stay in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure it’s sealed tightly!
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage: Freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Thoroughly: When you’re ready to eat, reheat it thoroughly to ensure it’s hot and safe to enjoy!
More Healthy Ground Beef Recipes
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 93% lean
- ½ medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 large head of broccoli cut into florets and blanched*
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions sliced on the bias
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking and stirring occasionally until the beef is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute.
- Add the blanched broccoli and cook for one more minute to heat it through.
- Divide the beef and broccoli stir-fry evenly among 4 plates or shallow bowls. If you’re using rice or cauliflower rice, layer it on the plates first.
- Garnish each serving with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve hot and enjoy!
